2008 JEEP WRANGLER steering

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, result-
ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel
sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
• Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
Alignment and Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull left or right.
Alignment will not correct this problem. See your autho-
rized dealer for proper diagnosis.
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
TIRE CHAINS
Install chains on rear tires only. Tire chains may be
installed on all models except the Sahara and Rubicon.
Follow these recommendations to guard against damage
and excessive tire and chain wear:
•Use chains on P225/75R16 tires only. P245/75R16,
P255/75R17, P255/70R18, and LT255/75R17 tires do
not provide adequate clearance.
•Use SAE class “S” tire chains or traction devices only.
•Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle, as
recommended by the chain manufacturer.
•Follow tire chain manufacturer’s instructions for
mounting chains.
•Install chains snugly and tighten after 0.6 mi (1 km) of
driving.
•Do notexceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
•Drive cautiously, avoiding large bumps, potholes and
extreme driving maneuvers.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, handling,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and develop irregular wear patterns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on On/Off Road
type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to main-
tain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.
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5

Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The trailer tongue weight is the downward force exerted
on the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not
be less than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height and maximum
width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer
tongue. It typically provides adjustable friction associ-
ated with the telescoping motion to dampen any un-
wanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. This kind ofhitch is the most popular on the market today and is
commonly used to tow small and medium-sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch system works by applying
leverage through spring (load) bars. It is typically used
for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight to
the tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When
used in accordance with the manufacturers’ directions, it
provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds,
and contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer
stability. Trailer sway control and a weight-distributing
(load-equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier
tongue weights (TW) and may be required depending on
vehicle and trailer configuration/loading to comply with
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. With a manual transmission, shift the transmis-
sion into 1st gear. And with four-wheel-drive vehicles,
make sure the transfer case is not in N (Neutral).
Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
354 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment – 3.8L ...............378
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ........379
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............380
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................380
 Replacement Parts ......................382
 Authorized Dealer Service ................382
 Maintenance Procedures ..................383
▫ Engine Oil ..........................383 ▫
Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 386
▫ Spark Plugs .........................386
▫ Catalytic Converter ....................386
▫ Crankcase Emission Control System ........388
▫ Fuel Filter ..........................388
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................389
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ................389
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............390
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............391
7

▫Driveline And Steering Component
Lubrication ..........................392
▫ Body Lubrication .....................392
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ................392
▫ Windshield And Rear Window Washers .....393
▫ Exhaust System ......................393
▫ Cooling System .......................394
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......399
▫ Brake System ........................399
▫ Automatic Transmission ................401
▫ Hydraulic Clutch Fluid — Manual
Transmission ........................403
▫ Manual Transmission ..................403
▫ Transfer Case ........................404 ▫
Front/Rear Axle Fluid ..................405
▫ Maintenance After Off-Road Driving ........405
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ...........................406
 Fuses (Totally Integrated Power Module) ......413
 Vehicle Storage ........................419
 Replacement Bulbs — If Equipped ...........420
 Bulb Replacement ......................420
▫ Head Light ..........................420
▫ Front Park/Turn Signal .................421
▫ Front Side Marker .....................422
▫ Front Fog Light ......................422
▫ Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, And Backup
Lights .............................422
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, and Refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and is an ozone-saving product.
However, the manufacturer recommends that air condi-
tioning service be performed by authorized dealers or
other service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with
the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts,
and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
in this section for correct fluid type.
NOTE: Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power
steering pump may make noise for a short period of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system.
This noise should be considered normal, and does not in
any way damage the steering system.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391
7

Driveline And Steering Component Lubrication
All driveline and steering components are sealed and do
not require lubrication. Driveshafts are not serviceable.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, tailgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to ensure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a smallamount of a high quality lubricant such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild non-abrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to
remove frost or ice from the windshield. Keep the blade
rubber out of contact with petroleum products such as
engine oil, gasoline, etc.
392 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE